"Mindful self-compassion is a form of acceptance of ourselves while we experience pain. We care for ourselves because we are suffering. We accept ourselves, the pain & our reactions to the pain.

Self-compassion can transform even the worst times of our lives.

Mindful self-compassion is the foundation of emotional healing—being aware in the present moment when we're struggling with feelings of inadequacy, despair, confusion, and other forms of stress (mindfulness) and responding with kindness and understanding (self-compassion). Mindful self-compassion also means holding difficult emotions—fear, anger, sadness, shame and self-doubt—in loving awareness, leading to greater ease and well-being in our daily lives."

~ Christopher Germer, Ph.D.

PRACTICAL BRAINSCIENCE

"When we consider the mind as an embodied and relational process that regulates the flow of energy and information, we come to realize that we can actually use the mind to change the brain.

The simple truth is that how we focus our attention, how we intentionally direct the flow of energy and information through our neural circuits, can directly alter the brain’s activity and its structure.

The key is to know the steps toward using our awareness in ways that promote well-being.

Harnessing our minds to change our brains is to build the circuits of kindness and well-being moment by moment, one person, one relationship at a time."